Josef Vojáček has been appointed as the new general director of the state-owned company Lesy České republiky (LČR), which manages nearly half of the forests in the Czech Republic. He returns to the position after previously serving from 2018 to 2021 during the administration of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. The announcement of his appointment follows the dismissal of his predecessor, Dalibor Šafařík, by Agriculture Minister Martin Šebestyán. Vojáček's leadership is set to commence by the end of February, pending confirmation by the government’s personnel nomination committee.

Vojáček brings considerable experience to the role, having previously demonstrated his capabilities, particularly in crisis management, during challenging periods marked by drought and bark beetle infestations. His strategic vision is expected to be crucial as the company confronts current challenges and aligns with the Raw Material Strategy, which aims to enhance the utilization of wood in the Czech Republic. This strategic approach reflects a broader intention to support sustainable forestry practices while also addressing ecological challenges.

The leadership change at LČR comes at a pivotal time for forestry management in the Czech Republic, where pressures from climate change and environmental concerns are increasingly significant. Vojáček's past performance during his previous tenure suggests he is well-equipped to steer the organization through these issues, positioning the company to balance ecological sustainability with economic interests, thereby ensuring effective management of national forest resources.